Alrighty people, I have been thinking and worrying and thinking some more while I have been sewing. IK is my first big event, and I have no idea what to expect. What all does the gate fee cover? What costs extra? Are we camping as a group? How are we organizing our teams? Can I play one class in gauntlet and another in something else in the same day? What sort of emergency stuff should I bring (extra noodle, core, ect.)? Anything else I should know or expect? I am organizing 9 non amtgarders who are also going camping in the same location, though possibly not the same site. I also have people who will be riding up with me that I have to coordinate with as well (and not completely fill my car with stuff too!)

I know I am a bit of a planner, but we are getting close to time to start worrying about all this and I would rather be ahead of things since I have so much else to do as well.

Food: I am a big guy and like to eat a lot, so I always stock up on grub to supplement whatever is available on site. Fuzz and I usually split a box or two of Uncrustables (little prepackaged pb&j sandwhiches), which are great amt-event grub because they take no prep, can be eaten with your offhand while sparing, can be carried in your pocket, and contains plenty of sugar for that mid-day energy boost. Also a case of Pepsi is also a must for me.

Gear: I bring as much gear as I can possibly carry. My shield, polearm, and every sword I can find in my house all get chucked in the truck when I head out. I tend to average one blown sword an event and its nice to have spares. I also tend to bring a bag of repair supplies, which includes rolls of tape, a few razorblades, foam scraps (for tips etc.). When i have some i normally bring an extra stick of noodle.Cores aren't usually necessary, but could never hurt to have.

Clothes: I normally pack an extra set of clothes just for backup, also I normally bring the shoes I fight in as well as a pair of flipflops. That way when the fightings done i can take off my shoes and put on things that are less dirty/more comfortableUnless its a mid-summer event I always bring a hoody or a coat, nights can get cold

Misc: other things i normally bring are the first aid kit that lives in my truck, a flashlight with extra batteries, a few various pocket knives, Camera with extra batteries etc. Pack of smokes (always bring an extra lighter too, murphys law and all that)

As far as gate fee's, usually they cover both site use fee's (if there are any) as well as feast saturday night. Usually there is other grub available for purchase (like for lunch etc.).

As to switching classes, I can't speak to any specific rules for this event but normally every different battle game you can play a different class.

Other than that, all I can say is big events are usually the best times I have in amtgard. It's a blast to see, and participate in, the game at this high a skill level. Also night time at events is usually good times too. Ditching continues into the early morning, people drinking while wandering around socializing etc.

Also for anyone who isn't already in STL i will be heading to STL friday afternoon after 3 up 44 from rolla if people want to meet up and caravan. I'm assuming we will end up meeting at Chris' or another location in town and rolling out from there. I will be bringing my truck which we can fill the bed with gear, not sure how many seats I will have open yet, have to see if i can convince anyone from here to come with.

If anyone has any more questions/concerns/wants to organize a caravan to STL you can reply or PM me here or get ahold of me by phone at (314) 973 1271

Also, as far as camping, I'm not sure if the current camp situation. I have a 6 person tent I can bring which would probably be for me, Gfish, and Batt along with 2-3 other people if need be, or if theres another plan that works too. If other Grendels are planning on camping there, having a company camp would be fuckin sweet.